Brad Paisley continues his powerhouse ways at country radio with yet another hit to add to his big collection. “I Can’t Change the World” (Arista Nashville) is the latest from one of the music industry’s best guitarist/vocalist. The Band Perry is back with another record that appears to be hit-bound. “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” (Republic Nashville) is their latest and our programmers are all over this one big time. Last year’s The Voice winner Cassadee Pope is keeping her dream alive. Although it’s been taking some time there is a solid push out there in radio land for her debut single “Wasting All These Tears” (Republic Nashville). It’s coming up every three hours in Los Angeles at KKGO (Go Country) and on other leading outlets across the USA that break new Country records.

Jake Owen is fast becoming the male darling of the format. His latest single ala “Days Of Gold” (RCA Nashville) is yet another good indication about why that is. I also really love the latest single from Luke Bryan.

“That’s My Kind Of Night” (Capitol Nashville) shows Luke at his very best and the sound of this track is a little bit different but can only help him in the long run. Newcomer Angie Johnson is starting to build quite the buzz at Country radio. “Swagger” (Sony) is the gem that we are talking about. Keep your eyes and ears out for this artist and remember that you heard and read about Angie Johnson first, right here on the pages of your radio leader, New Music Weekly.

Jennifer Nettles got through a very good Summer and now she’s back for more fun and music success. “That Girl” (Mercury) is the new one from her and it has all of the ingredients to give Jennifer another well-deserved solo Hit record. The fabulous and funky Blue Sky Riders are in the arena and looking for your support. “Feelin’ Brave” (3Dream) is their new one and you might want to give this a few spins this week and watch for good things to happen. We’ll see how it all plays out for the gang in the weeks to come but from what we’re hearing, get ready for a ride to the top of the charts.

Darius Rucker continues to build on his good Country music fortunes. He has now released the single “Radio” (Capitol/EMI) which should add more to his fast rising stock. Darius has come a long way from his Hootie and the Blowfish days. Matt Farris is getting a lot of love at the format. First brought to our attention by our good friend James Williams, his new track “Resident Redneck” (Skytone) is a great song and comes highly recommended by a good number of our music and program directors. George Strait is also back in world with another gem. “I Believe” (MCA) is the latest that will no doubt do well so you might want to give this song the added attention that it so deserves.
Don’t count Dierks Bentley out anytime soon. There may be quite a lot of male newcomers to Country to he can hang with the best of them. “I Hold On” (Capitol) is his latest and greatest and you can bet that Capitol will pull out all of the stops on this single if they know what’s good for them or they’ll be hearing from Dierks very soon. Taylor Swift continues her long list of hit singles at the format. “Red” (Big Machine/Universal) the title song from her current CD is hanging in there with the best of them. I’m sure that the Big Machine is keeping a watchful eye out on a weekly basis.

Keith Urban has finally taken his “Little Bit of Everything” (Capitol) as far as it can go and good for him. He’s already back in the saddle over at American Idol so those Fox Network checks will keep arriving. Many of you out there really love the new Craig Morgan track. I must agree that “Wake Up Lovin’ You” (Black River) is one of his best so give that a few spins. Kelly Parkes is hard at work on her Christmas CD album and single. It will also be part of a new book as well. I’ll have more for you on the greatest Country Hits right here next time.